Chicago Cubs outfielder Alfonso Soriano is either ridiculously loyal to this franchise, he’s terrified of change or he doesn’t envy the stresses that come with playing on a competitive MLBteam.

Let’s revisit 2012. The San Francisco Giants were interested in Soriano. The Giants felt like his powerful bat could assist them during their stretch run. For Soriano, it was his opportunity to go from one of the National League’s worst teams to a pennant contender. At age 36, how many chances will Soriano get to play postseason baseball?

Soriano wanted no part of it. He cited bad weather as his reason for enforcing his no-trade rights. While Soriano finished that season with a team that lost 101 games, the Giants won their second World Series in three seasons.

During the off-season, the Cubs kept shopping Soriano. They tried to sell the Philadelphia Phillies on a Domonic Brown-for-Alfonso Soriano deal. The Phillies wouldn’t bite.

Would Soriano consider the New York Yankees? He debuted with that organization in 1999. After Curtis Granderson broke his arm, some people have questioned whether Soriano could replace Granderson until he returns in May or June.

Soriano didn’t sound too interested. According to ESPN Chicago:

“I don’t know if it happened today (if I would go). I don’t know (if) they are going to call or not. If they call for me, I would have to think about it. I am 37 years old so I have to think about what is good for me and the (Cubs).”

If the Yankees call, then what is there to think about? Time and time again, management has shown that they don’t want him. Why play for a rebuilding team that doesn’t want you? The Yankees are in a better position to win now. Does Soriano honestly believe that the Cubs will give him his best chance to win a World Series before his contract expires after 2014?

Soriano has become the psycho ex-boyfriend who won’t leave his former admirer alone. Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer have been trying to dump him for months. They’ve been more than fair with the destinations where they’ve offered him. It’s not like they’re trading him to the Houston Astros.

Reality check to Soriano: it’s not 2007. The Cubs don’t love you anymore. And if it weren’t for a lack of MLB-ready prospects, ownership would eat that $36 million and move forward.

I appreciate his contributions from 2012. Soriano’s loyalty is admirable. However, it’s annoying to see that even when money isn’t considered, winning is not his No. 1 priority. Maybe No. 2 but not No. 1. It’s obvious that the Cubs want to move forward but Soriano won’t let them.

It’s time to accept that this marriage is over. That’s for the betterment of both parties.

Joshua Huffman is a contributor for RantSports.com. Huffman covers the Chicago Cubs and NFL. Follow him on Twitter, “Like” him on Facebook, or add him to your LinkedIn and Google networks.

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